The Baltimore restaurant community is heading outside this week, with tons of al fresco events all week long. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
The new location of Lib’s Grill, in downtown Towson, is now open.
On Friday, June 5, Baltimore Spirits Co. is launching a new product, Avenue Rum – but the even bigger news is that the launch is part of the company’s announcement of a new BSC restaurant near 36th St. in Hampden. Construction on the new spot is slated to start later this year.
Happy birthday to the wine shop BIN 604, which turns 25 this week and is celebrating with tastings and deals.
Waterfront Week
This week is a big one along the Inner Harbor waterfront, as the city launches its first ever Waterfront Week. From June 5 through June 14, there will be over 60 events taking place along the Harbor downtown – from concerts to boating excursions to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Maryland Science Center.
The week includes the June installment of the Baltimore by Baltimore music and makers event, which features food and drinks from Truck Fishnet, The Empanada Lady, Bar Movement, and others.
It also features a fun Crush Contest. Crush lovers will have the opportunity to bounce around the Harbor, testing crushes from nine participating restaurants, then vote on their favorite.
Charles Street Promenade
On Saturday, June 6, the Charles Street Promenade returns to the blocks of N. Charles St. between Saratoga St. and North Ave. During the event, the street will be closed to car traffic and will become a pedestrian thoroughfare. Local businesses will bring their wares outside – and many restaurants along the way will offer specials and fun experiences.
Old Bay x Guinness
Also on Saturday, two iconic brands – Old Bay and Guinness – are teaming up. Throughout the day, Old Bay is staging a menu takeover at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, featuring special food and beer pairings, new merch, fun specials and cocktails (like a Baltimore Blonde and Old Bay take on the orange crush) and more.
The event is ticketed and there are two seating options available.
Valley Inn Summer Fest
On Sunday, June 7, The Valley Inn welcomes the season with a family-friendly day of activities, vendors and live music.
Patterson Park summer concerts
The summer concert series in Patterson Park kicks off this Sunday, June 7. In addition to live music, there will be plenty of food and drink to purchase – including fun options from Vivian’s, like sliders and matcha lemonade.
Meatball Monday at Johnny’s
On June 8, Johnny’s heads outside to host an al fresco meatball meal. The family-style dinner features Italian classics, starting with antipasto followed by spaghetti and meatballs, dessert, and wine.
Mushrooms at Cosima
On Wednesday, June 10, Cosima partners with Falls Road Mushroom Company – an urban mushroom farm near the restaurant – on a multi-course meal showcasing mushrooms in many forms.
Alphonse Mellot at Citron
Also on Wednesday, Citron continues its series of wine dinners with a focus on the wines of Domaine Alphonse Mellot, in the Sancerre area of the Loire Valley. The five-course meal, including dishes like lump crab with roasted asparagus and prosciutto, and veal tenderloin with cauliflower puree, will put the wines on display and the winemaker, Mr. Alphonse Mellot, will be on hand for discussion.
Winemaker supper at The Manor Tavern
On Thursday, June 11, The Manor Tavern hosts a dinner highlighting the wines of J. Lohr. The meal starts with passed hors d’oeuvres followed by multiple courses, including dishes like cocoa-rubbed short ribs with confit cherry tomatoes (courtesy of the Manor Tavern garden) paired with a 2022 J. Lohr merlot.
World Cup
The World Cup games kick off on Thursday, June 11 – and Baltimore is ready.
On Thursday, La Calle will broadcast the Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup game on a large screen and offer special food and drink to go with the game (even if you are not rooting for Mexico).
The Duchess will also be hosting watch parties throughout the Cup – with special snacks and half-off pints.
Slainte will be showing the games and has a special World Cup menu ready to launch.
Monument City Brewing and Key Brewing are partnering with Motte Restaurant, Urban Axes, Old Line Spirits, and North Baltimore FA for outdoor watch parties with a lot more happening, including small-sided soccer games and soccer tennis tourneys.
St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
Starting Thursday and running through the weekend, the St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival takes over Ponca St. The party is a big one, with kids’ activities, dance performances, music, and tons of Greek food, beer, and wine.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
June 17: Michael Leonard at Boordy
June 19: Juneteenth with The Urban Oyster & friends
June 25: Bourdain Day at Sally O’s
